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28 Days Later (film series)

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28 Days Later
Created byAlex Garland
Original work28 Days Later (2002)
OwnerDNA Films[a]
Years2002–present
Print publications
Comics28 Days Later
Graphic novel(s)28 Days Later: The Aftermath
Films and television
Film(s)
Audio
Soundtrack(s)

The 28 Days Later series consists of post-apocalyptic horror films, based on a concept conceived by Alex Garland. The series includes two released films, while multiple sequels are in various stages of development. The plot follows the scientific developments of a pathogenic-disease known as the Rage Virus which is intended for chemical warfare, and its rapid effects on the world population after its unintentional release from laboratories. The series follows various survivors, as they fight to escape contaminated areas and reach designated safe zones, while they attempt to stay ahead of the masses of infected people around them.

The first film was well received by critics,[1] and was a box office success.[2] It has been called a horror classic and has a cult following.[3][4] It has also been credited with redefining,[5][6] as well as influencing,[7][8] and expanding the popularity of the zombie horror genre.[9] The 2007 sequel was also a success critically,[10][11] and financially.[12] Several reviews called it a rare worthy and successful sequel,[13][14] or superior to its predecessor.[15]

The series of films will continue with a trilogy of sequels in various stages of development;[16][17][18] including 28 Years Later which is slated for release on June 20, 2025.[19]

Films

[edit]
Film U.S. release date Director Screenwriter(s) Producer(s)
28 Days Later November 1, 2002 (2002-11-01) Danny Boyle Alex Garland Andrew Macdonald
28 Weeks Later May 11, 2007 (2007-05-11) Juan Carlos Fresnadillo Jesús Olmo, Rowan Joffé, Enrique López Lavigne & Juan Carlos Fresnadillo Allon Reich, Andrew Macdonald & Enrique López Lavigne
28 Years Later June 20, 2025 (2025-06-20) Danny Boyle Alex Garland Peter Rice, Danny Boyle, Alex Garland & Andrew Macdonald
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple January 16, 2026 (2026-01-16) Nia DaCosta Peter Rice, Danny Boyle, Alex Garland, Bernie Bellew & Andrew Macdonald
Untitled fifth film TBA TBA Peter Rice, Danny Boyle, Alex Garland & Andrew Macdonald

28 Days Later (2002)

[edit]
Main article: 28 Days Later

When animal activists infiltrate a top secret laboratory of scientists studying a highly contagious and powerful disease intended for chemical warfare known as the Rage Virus with intentions to release the animals, they unknowingly release chimpanzees who had been infected with the pathogen. Despite the warnings of the scientists, all of the animals are freed from their capture resulting in a rapid outbreak. Twenty-eight days afterward, a bicyclist named Jim awakens in a hospital after a near-death accident placed him into a coma and under medical care. Unaware of the events which transpired during the previous month, Jim is troubled to find himself seemingly alone and releases himself from the medical machines in the room. As he wanders London, he discovers that the city is heavily covered in litter and is left vacant. As the world around him seems to have disappeared, Jim begins searching for answers only to be chased by a large group of infected, crazed, and psychotic civilians before being rescued by other survivors Selena and Mark. After his newfound allies inform him of the outbreak, the events which caused it and the reality that the entire nation has been overtaken, the trio continue their journey to Jim's parents' home, with hopes to find additional survivors. After Mark succumbs to the virus and is killed by Selena however, Jim is determined to assist with protecting her from the infected, and escape England. Along the way, the pair grow more dependent on each other and soon find additional allies in Frank, and his daughter Hannah. Together the group determines to travel to Manchester after hearing a broadcast which promises assistance from the military by Major Henry West. Soon they realize that the battle they must face in surviving includes unexpected factors, beyond the onslaught of zombified citizens swarming the streets.[20][21][22]

28 Weeks Later (2007)

[edit]
Main article: 28 Weeks Later

During the events of the initial outbreak a group of survivors including Donald Harris and his wife Alice have taken refuge in an isolated cottage on the outskirts of London. When an orphaned boy begs at the door for their assistance, the group determines to allow him entrance; only for a horde of following infected assailants to overtake the home. In a panic of saving his own life, Don retreats from the house while the rest of the group are overwhelmed by the invaders. As the days turn into weeks, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces have assumed oversight and control of Britain. Twenty-eight weeks later, established safe zones have been secured throughout the United Kingdom. Under the direction of NATO, an American Armed Forces initiates the process of allowing citizens back into their respective countries through these fortified areas. Among the initial entries are Tammy and Andy Harris, the children of Don and Alice, who are reunited with their father in District One. As he relays the events which transpired during the initial spread of the pathogenic virus, including the assumed death of their mother, the children determine among themselves that night to sneak out of the safe zone and into the quarantined city where their former home is. Tammy and Andy work together with hopes in recovering valuable memories of their mother. While they are successful in doing so, the pair are surprised when they are confronted by Alice who is delirious and semi-conscious, but alive. Discovered by American soldiers, the trio of apprehended and taken back to District One where they are placed in isolation. After being tested by United States Army medical officer Maj. Scarlet Levy, the children show no signs of infection. Alice is additionally found to be an asymptomatic carrier of the Rage Virus, and is under the military's medical care for further examination. Tormented by his choice to save his life by abandoning his wife weeks previous, Don makes an unauthorized visit to Alice in isolation. While begging for her forgiveness and after kissing her in an expressing of his love, Don is infected and within seconds becomes overtaken by the virus. After killing Alice, the infected Don initiates a rapid chain reaction outbreak during his rampage, and protective measures are initiated with militant-ordered extermination of all citizens within District One. Despite these orders, Maj. Levy rescues Tammy and Andy realizing that the solution to the virus may be within their genetic composition due to the asymptomatic response their mother had shown. As NATO orders a bombing of the entire surrounding area, the group alongside their newly acquired ally Delta Force Army soldier Sgt. Doyle races against time to preserve a potential cure for mankind.[23][24][25]

Future

[edit]

28 Years Later (2025)

[edit]
Main article: 28 Years Later

In June 2007, Fox Atomic studio confirmed potential for a third film, dependent upon the financial performance of the film following its home video release.[26] In July of the same year, Boyle said that the story for a third installment had been mapped out.[27] By October 2010, Garland stated that due to differences involving the film rights, the project had been delayed.[28] In January 2011 however, Boyle stated that he believed the project would be realized, stating confirming further developments for the story.[29] By April 2013 however, the filmmaker expressed uncertainty as to whether the movie would be made.[30] In January 2015, Garland addressed the project's status, confirming that while it had fallen into development hell there were serious discussions going on behind the scenes to produce the project. Reiterating that development was progressing, stating that the script he was working on would tentatively be titled 28 Months Later.[31] In June 2019, Boyle confirmed that he and Garland had been working on the third installment.[32] In March 2020, Imogen Poots expressed interest in reprising her role,[33] followed by Cillian Murphy in May 2021.[34]

In June 2023, Boyle and Garland expressed in collaboration their intentions to "seriously" and "diligently" see the project enter production; while announcing that the script was now titled 28 Years Later, acknowledging the years it had taken to be developed. Boyle stated that he would like to serve as director, unless Garland chooses to.[35] By July of the same year, Murphy stated that he had recently discussed the possibility of a third film with Boyle; once again expressing interest in reprising his role if Boyle and Garland return to the franchise in their creative roles.[36]

In January 2024, it was announced that a third film titled 28 Years Later, was officially in development; with plans for the project to be the first of a new trilogy of sequels. Danny Boyle will direct the first installment, with a script written by Alex Garland; while the latter will also write the scripts for each of planned sequels. Boyle, Garland, Andrew Macdonald, and Peter Rice will serve as producers. Sony Pictures will distribute the movie.[16][17] In February of the same year, Murphy discussed his potential involvement with the project.[37] In March 2024, Garland confirmed that he is writing a trilogy of sequel films.[18] The following month, the writer stated that Kes was a major influence on his work for 28 Years Later.[38] By April, Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes joined the cast,[39] while Charlie Hunnam entered early negotiations to appear in its cast.[40][41] Later that month, Garland announced that pre-production was underway on the film,[42] while also confirming that the plot will explore how the passage of time influences survival in a post-apocalyptic society.[43] In May of the same year, Cillian Murphy was confirmed to be reprising his role from 28 Days Later;[44] followed by Jack O'Connell joining the cast in a supporting role, which will expand into a leading role for the sequel.[45] The project will enter production back-to-back with its sequel.[39]

In May 2024, 28 Years Later began principal photography[46] and is scheduled for theatrical release on June 20, 2025.[19]

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026)

[edit]
Main article: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

In April 2024, Nia DaCosta entered early negotiations to direct the second film in the new trilogy of sequels; while Boyle, Garland, Andrew Macdonald, Peter Rice, and Bernie Bellew are attached as producers.[47] The following month, DaCosta was confirmed to have signed onto the project as director.[45] Principal photography is scheduled to commence directly following production is completed on 28 Years Later.[47][39] While the film's title has not officially been announced, a United States Copyright Office document notes its title as 28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple.[48] By October 2024, production on the movie was completed.[49] In December 2024 it was confirmed that 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple will be released on 16 January 2026.

28 Years Later: Part 3 (TBA)

[edit]

In January 2024, it was announced that a trilogy of sequels to 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later was in development, with Alex Garland serving as the screenwriter of the three films.[16][17] In March of the same year, Garland confirmed that he had written scripts for three individual movies.[18]

Main cast and characters

[edit]
List indicators

This section includes characters who will appear or have appeared in more than two films in the series.

  • An empty grey cell indicates the character was not in the film, or that the character's official presence has not yet been confirmed.
  •  C indicates a cameo role.
  •  V indicates a voice-only role.
Character Films
28 Days Later 28 Weeks Later 28 Years Later 28 Years Later:
The Bone Temple 		Untitled fifth film
2002 2007 2025 2026 TBA
Jim Cillian Murphy Cillian Murphy
Selena Naomie Harris
Hannah Megan Burns
Frank Brendan Gleeson
Maj. Henry West Christopher Eccleston
Mark Noah Huntley
Sgt. Farrell Stuart McQuarrie
Donald "Don" Harris Robert Carlyle
Maj. Scarlet Levy Rose Byrne
Sgt. Doyle Jeremy Renner
Tammy Harris Imogen Poots
Andy Harris Mackintosh Muggleton
BG. Stone Idris Elba
Alice Harris Catherine McCormack
Flynn Harold Perrineau
Jamie Aaron Taylor-Johnson
TBA Jodie Comer TBA
Ralph Fiennes TBA
Jack O'Connell TBA
Alfie Williams TBA
Erin Kellyman
E. Sundqvist Edvin Ryding

Additional production and crew details

[edit]
Film Crew/detail
Composer Cinematographer Editor Production companies Distribution companies Running time
28 Days Later John Murphy Anthony Dod Mantle Chris Gill DNA Films,
UK Film Council 		Fox Searchlight Pictures 1 hr 53 mins
28 Weeks Later Enrique Chediak 20th Century Fox,
Fox Atomic,
DNA Films,
Figment Films,
Sogecine,
Koan Films 		20th Century Fox 1 hr 39 mins
28 Years Later TBA Anthony Dod Mantle Jon Harris Columbia Pictures,
DNA Films,
British Film Institute,
Decibel Films 		Sony Pictures Releasing TBA
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Hildur Guðnadóttir Sean Bobbitt Catrin Hedström, Evan Schiff TBA
Untitled fifth film TBA TBA TBA TBA

Reception

[edit]
Further information: For more details on the reception of each film, see the "Reception" section in each film's article.

The first film was well received by critics,[1] and was a box office success.[2] In the years that followed, contemporary analysis have called the release a horror classic with a cult following among its fans;[3][50][4] while the movie has also been credited with redefining,[5][6] as well as influencing,[7][8] and expanding the popularity of the zombie horror genre.[9]

The 2007 sequel was similarly a success critically,[10][11] while it turned a smaller profit financially.[12] Several reviews called it a rare worthy and successful sequel,[13][14] and Philip French of The Guardian called it superior to its predecessor.[15]

Box office and financial performance

[edit]
Film Box office gross Box office ranking Total home video sales Worldwide gross total income Budget Worldwide net total income Ref.
North America Other territories Worldwide All-time North America All-time worldwide
28 Days Later $45.064.915 $37.719.602 $82.784.517 #2,066 #2,422 Information not publicly available >$82.784.517 $8.000.000 >$74.784.517 [2][51]
28 Weeks Later $28.638.916 $36.409.762 $65.048.678 #3,075 #3,398 $25.241.533 $90.290.211 $15.000.000 $75.290.211 [12][52]
28 Years Later TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD $75.000.000 TBD —
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBA TBD —
Untitled fifth film TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBA TBD —

Critical response

[edit]
Film Rotten Tomatoes Metacritic
28 Days Later 87% (237 reviews)[1] 73/100 (39 reviews)[53]
28 Weeks Later 72% (199 reviews)[54] 78/100 (34 reviews)[55]
28 Years Later [to be determined] [to be determined]
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple [to be determined] [to be determined]
Untitled fifth film [to be determined] [to be determined]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Distribution rights to Days and Years (and its future sequels) are currently under Sony Pictures, while Weeks remain to 20th Century Studios.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "28 Days Later". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c "28 Days Later...(2003)". The Numbers. Nash Information Services LLC. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  3. ^ a b Wilson, Sean (May 15, 2014). "5 reasons why Danny Boyle movie 28 Days Later remains a cult classic". Cineworld. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  4. ^ a b Dela Paz, Maggie (May 11, 2024). "28 Years Later Release Date Revealed for Danny Boyle's Horror Sequel". Comic Book Resource. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  5. ^ a b Zoller Seitz, Matt (July 12, 2013). "In a heartbeat: "28 Days Later" revisited". RogerEbert.com. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  6. ^ a b da Silva, Dana (January 24, 2024). "How 28 Days Later Redefined the Zombie Genre". Comic Book Resource. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  7. ^ a b Hamman, Cody (May 17, 2013). "28 Days Later (2002) Revisited – Horror Movie Review". JoBlo. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  8. ^ a b Newby, Richard (June 29, 2018). "How '28 Days Later' Changed the Horror Genre". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  9. ^ a b T, Amber (January 11, 2024). "28 DAYS LATER Sequel In The Works From Danny Boyle And Alex Garland". Fangoria. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  10. ^ a b Stax (May 10, 2007). "28 Weeks Later - Review: A horror sequel that delivers the chills". IGN. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  11. ^ a b Gringold, Michael (May 8, 2007). "Review: 28 WEEKS LATER". Fangoria. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  12. ^ a b c "28 Weeks Later". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  13. ^ a b Gaughan, Liam (March 15, 2024). "Before 'Damsel,' the Director Made a Gripping Sequel to a Horror Classic". Collider. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  14. ^ a b Hamman, Cody (June 21, 2023). "28 Weeks Later (2007) Revisited – Horror Movie Review". JoBlo. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  15. ^ a b French, Phillip (May 13, 2007). "28 Weeks Later". The Guardian. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  16. ^ a b c Kit, Borys & Mia Galuppo (January 10, 2024). "Danny Boyle, Alex Garland Teaming for Sequel to Their Zombie Hit '28 Days Later' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  17. ^ a b c Murphy, J. Kim (January 10, 2024). "'28 Days Later' Sequel in the Works: Danny Boyle, Alex Garland Reteam to Launch New Trilogy With '28 Years Later'". Variety. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  18. ^ a b c Jones, Ellan E. (March 30, 2024). "Civil War film-maker Alex Garland: 'In the US and UK there's a lot to be very concerned about'". The Guardian. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  19. ^ a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (May 10, 2024). "Sony Sets Summer 2025 Release Date For Danny Boyle's '28 Years Later'". Deadline. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  20. ^ Head, Steve (June 26, 2003). "Review of 28 Days Later". IGN. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  21. ^ Bradshaw, Peter (October 31, 2002). "28 Days Later". The Guardian. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  22. ^ Scott, A. O. (June 27, 2003). "Film Review; Spared by a Virus But Not by Mankind". The New York Times. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  23. ^ Travers, Peter (May 11, 2007). "28 Weeks Later". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  24. ^ Newman, Kim (April 27, 2007). "28 Weeks Later - Review". Empire. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  25. ^ Scott, A. O. (May 11, 2007). "'28 Weeks Later': Zombie film with taste for satire". The New York Times. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  26. ^ "Fox Atomic Gives Horror the Boot? Forget '28 Years Later'..." Bloody Disgusting. 27 June 2007. Archived from the original on 29 June 2007. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  27. ^ "Danny Boyle's Space Odyssey, By Kurt Loder". MTV. 16 July 2007. Archived from the original on 15 July 2007. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  28. ^ "Alex Garland on 28 Months Later, Logan's Run and Halo". Worst Previews. 3 October 2010. Archived from the original on 5 October 2010. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  29. ^ "Danny Boyle Webchat". Empire. April 19, 2007. Archived from the original on 16 November 2012. Retrieved 28 June 2012.
  30. ^ Franklin, Garth (13 April 2013). "Boyle Not Keen On 28 Months Later". Dark Horizons. Archived from the original on 9 July 2015. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  31. ^ "Alex Garland Says 28 Months Later is Being Discussed". IGN. 14 January 2015. Archived from the original on 1 February 2015. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  32. ^ "Danny Boyle confirms third 28 Days Later movie is in the works". NME. 24 June 2019. Archived from the original on 24 June 2019. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  33. ^ "Imogen Poots Wants to Return for 28 Months Later". JoBlo. 27 March 2020. Archived from the original on 27 March 2020. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  34. ^ "Cillian Murphy Would Be Up to Return for 28 Months Later". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on 24 May 2021. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  35. ^ "The Oral History of 28 Days Later, Danny Boyle's Genre-Redefining Masterpiece". Inverse. 2023-06-27. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  36. ^ McPherson, Chris (July 10, 2023). "Cillian Murphy Is Down for a 28 Days Later Sequel With One Condition". Collider. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  37. ^ Horowitz, Josh (February 22, 2024). "Cillian Murphy talks Oppenheimer, Peaky Blinders, Batman, 28 Days Later - Happy Sad Confused". Happy Sad Confused. Retrieved April 6, 2024. Watch this space.
  38. ^ Danoff, Owen (April 2, 2024). "Civil War Director Alex Garland Reveals His Alamo Drafthouse Guest Selects Movies In New Video". ScreenRant. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  39. ^ a b c Kroll, Justin (April 24, 2024). "Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson & Ralph Fiennes To Star In '28 Years Later' For Danny Boyle And Sony Pictures". Deadline. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  40. ^ Bolt, Neil (April 4, 2024). "Jodie Comer Will Reportedly Star in 28 Years Later". ComingSoon. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  41. ^ Cassidy, Mark (April 5, 2024). "28 Years Later: Jodie Comer And Charlie Hunnam Rumored To Be In Talks To Star In Horror Sequel". Comic Book Movie. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  42. ^ Dick, Jeremy (April 11, 2024). "'We've Got a Plan': 28 Years Later Gets Exciting Update From Writer Alex Garland". Comic Book Resource. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  43. ^ Kovacs, Gabriel (April 12, 2024). "Alex Garland 'Civil War' Interview | A24 Taking Risks, '28 Years Later' Details & More". Cinemablend. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  44. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (May 17, 2024). "Tom Rothman Fetes Columbia Pictures Centennial, Talks Quentin Tarantino, Streaming & How To Bring Young Audiences Back To Movie Theaters". Deadline. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
  45. ^ a b Kroll, Justin (May 7, 2023). "Jack O'Connell Joins '28 Years Later' Trilogy From Sony And Danny Boyle". Deadline. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  46. ^ Zinski, Dan (May 29, 2024). "28 Years Later Set Photos Reveal First Look At Aaron Taylor-Johnson In Sequel". ScreenRant. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  47. ^ a b Kroll, Justin (April 10, 2024). "'Candyman' Director Nia DaCosta In Talks To Helm Part Two Of New '28 Years Later' Trilogy From Sony Pictures". Deadline. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
  48. ^ US Copyright Office Document No. V15022D530 / 2024-02-21
  49. ^ Thompson, Anne (October 25, 2024). "It's Time for Ralph Fiennes' Third Oscar Nomination: The Actor on 'Conclave,' Playing Odysseus, and Danny Boyle's '28 Years Later'". IndieWire. Retrieved December 12, 2024.
  50. ^ Rajput, Laxmi (April 27, 2023). "Horror Cult Classic 28 Days Later Threequel '28 Months Later' Script Complete, May Bring Back Cillian Murphy". FandomWire. Retrieved June 9, 2024.[better source needed]
  51. ^ "28 Days Later". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  52. ^ "28 Weeks Latr (2007)". The Numbers. Nash Information Services LLC. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  53. ^ "28 Days Later..." Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  54. ^ "28 Weeks Later". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  55. ^ "28 Weeks Later". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
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